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At a total loss - help finding a party dress, please!!!

19 replies

Igloolou · 03/11/2023 10:34

Big company Christmas party coming up. It will be my first proper night out in a couple of years since having my DC and I've been promoted to management level recently so I really want to go in feeling confident as I'll be meeting clients I've only ever chatted to over Teams/phone.

My normal style is very plane. Jeans and long sleeve t-shirts. Previous party nights I've usually ended up wearing black, mini length dresses but as I'm in my early 40's I feel like I need something a bit more sophisticated. I was thinking about something slightly longer but fitted - Not sure I can pull that off though.

I'm 5ft 2". Size 16, wide at the hips.

Don't love my arms and it's cold so would prefer to wear something with at least a cap sleeve minimum.

I don't like big stand out patterns and floaty skirts make me feel like I look very wide so would probably avoid that.

I'm happy with some sparkle and something fitted, if I think it flatters/hides my worst bits.

Price range, as it's not something I'm likely to wear again - ideally no more than about £60 but would go to £80 for something I love. I'll also need to factor new shoes in so can't go OTT on dress.

Please help a girl out and share links to anything you think might work.

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 03/11/2023 10:45

I like this, the interest at the top will draw attention from the lower half
https://www.asos.com/reclaimed-vintage/reclaimed-vintage-maxi-satin-dress-with-mixed-scale-lace-in-black/prd/203548612#colourWayId-203548618

hartof · 03/11/2023 13:13

Girl in mind have some lovely party dresses in, I always like Quiz too

Emmagr1981 · 03/11/2023 14:56

I've just bought this dress in a 16

fhwt.app.link/PZYiOolrRDb

Britpopbaby · 03/11/2023 16:12

I like this and saw it in real life today. You could get around the cut out part by wearing coloured/ sparkly tights as the waist band would probably go under where the cut out.

Long sleeve dress with a round neck. Side cut-out detail at the waist with gathering and beading. Back zip and button fastening.
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/velvet-mini-dress-with-side-cut-out-detail-p08351234.html?v1=293361758&v2=2290847&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=web_mobile_sharing&utm_source=red_social_web_mobile

hby9628 · 03/11/2023 19:13

Does it have to be a dress? I've recently purchased this combo for a party. I'm a size 12/14 and definitely have a bit of excess around my waist but the bodysuit is actually quite flattering and I feel nice in it. The skirt feels amazing. I'm wearing it with boots x

https://www.roman.co.uk/elasticated-mesh-layered-skirt-17016808?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=piaxlllwl&istBid=t&gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9O7u08SoggMVgsftCh3ZzgMdEAQYASABEgK4ivDD_BwE

https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-long-sleeve-bodysuit-903373?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtCggii-6MmFeFxOTK9gLsCxxSYp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInK3U4MSoggMVcotQBh20rAfcEAQYASABEgKd8PDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

narniabusiness · 03/11/2023 19:27

Have you tried asking on frillseeking’s Personal stylist thread? She has some really great ideas.

Igloolou · 04/11/2023 07:06

Thank you all for the suggestions and links. I’ve not had a chance to look at it all yet but from what I’ve seen so far there could be some contenders there. I appreciate the help!!

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